What Narcan is for and how to use it
Narcan is a drug that contains naloxone, a substance that can reverse the effects of opioids, such as morphine, methadone, tramadol or heroin, on the body, especially during episodes of overdose..
- Narcan is often used as an emergency opioid overdose medication.
- Thus avoiding serious complications.
- Such as respiratory arrest.
- That can be life-threatening in minutes.
Although this medicine can completely nullify the effect of the drug in case of overdose and save the life of the person, it is very important to go to the hospital to evaluate all vital signs and start another type of treatment, if necessary.
Ideally, Narcan should only be administered by a hospital healthcare professional, even in case of overdose.The fastest form of administration that shows the result is the application of the drug directly into the vein, with effect in 2 minutes.
In some cases, the effect of the drug that causes overdose may last longer than Narcan’s, which is about 2 hours, so it may be necessary to administer several doses during the treatment of an overdose, so the person should be hospitalized for at least a minimum period of time.2 or 3 days.
In very rare cases, the doctor may prescribe Narcan for personal use, especially if there is a very high risk of overdose, however, the form of administration of the drug should be indicated previously by the doctor and the dose should be adjusted according to the weight and type of medicine used.The best way to avoid complications of an overdose is to always avoid using the drug, so here’s how to combat drug use.
Narcan nasal spray is not yet on sale in Brazil, it can only be purchased in the United States of America, with medical indication.
In this form, the medicine should be sprayed directly into one of the person’s nostrils in case of overdose. If there is no improvement in the condition, you can apply another spray after 2 or 3 minutes. Spraying can be done every 3 minutes if there is no improvement and until medical equipment arrives.
It is not yet fully known how the effect of naloxone present in Narcan occurs, however, this substance seems to bind to the same receptors as those used by opioids, reducing its effect on the body.
For its effects, this medicine can also be used in the postoperative surgery, to reverse the effect of anesthesia, for example.
Side effects of this medicine are not yet fully known, but some effects that may be related to its use include vomiting, nausea, restlessness, tremors, shortness of breath or changes in blood pressure.
Narcan is contraindicated for people who are hypersensitive to naloxone or any other component of the formula. In addition, it should only be used in pregnant or lactating women as indicated by the obstetrician.